UPMC Bariatric Services at UPMC Altoona FAQs

Severe or morbid obesity is when a person's Body Mass Index (BMI) is greater than 40.

Or BMI is greater than 35 with the presence of one or more health issues such as:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Sleep apnea

BMI is your weight in pounds multiplied by 703. Then divide that number by your height in inches squared.

BMI = (weight in pounds x 703)/height in inches squared.

Get your BMI now.

This is your current body weight minus your ideal body weight.

The first step is to contact our Bariatric Coordinator at the number provided.

You will need to check with your provider to see if your plan covers bariatric surgery. The number should be on the back of your insurance card.

You'll also need to meet the requirements for weight loss surgery.

People who have the most success are those who:

• Meet the above-discussed BMI levels.
• Have a thorough knowledge of the procedure.
• Commit to life-long follow-up and support.

1. Attend a free 60-minute info session.
2. Have nutrition counseling and a psychological assessment.
3. Have an exam with one of our surgeons.
4. Align your care with your PCP.
5. Get approval for surgery from your health insurer.
6. Have pre-op labs, chest X-rays, EKG, or other tests.
7. Commit to the post-op diet and follow-up care.

At UPMC Altoona, we also offer a post-op support group and consults for plastic surgery.

It varies with each person, but the average wait time is three to four months. This gives you time to finish the six-month pre-surgery lifestyle program.

We'll work with you during your wait to make sure you don't have any delays.

It depends on the type of bariatric surgery you have.

For minimally invasive Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery, you can expect to spend two to three days in the hospital. And it will take up to four weeks to fully heal.

These approaches — compared to open weight loss surgery — have faster recovery times with fewer constraints.

After surgery, it's vital to meet with your:

• Surgeon to check for any post-op problems and track your weight loss.
• Dietitian to start your post-surgery diet and help you meet your daily nutrition requirements.
• PCP to manage high blood pressure, diabetes, or any other health issues.

With post-op lifestyle changes and motivation, you can expect to lose between 60 and 85 percent of your excess body weight.

Each person's results will differ. There's no set number for how much you'll lose in the year or years after surgery. Some people burn fat and lose weight faster than others.

Results five to 10 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass show most people don't regain more than 15 percent of their weight.

Yes, we're designated as a Comprehensive Center for Bariatric Surgery by the MBSAQIP.

Our board-certified bariatric surgeons meet the MBSAQIP benchmark with a high volume of cases.